Surprise Wedding Proposal Photography in Kauai

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Surprise Wedding Proposal Photography in Kauai

What do you get when you combine one of the most important, romantic and nerve-racking experiences all into one event? A surprise engagement, of course!

On September 2nd, Cesar flew out from Houston, Texas to the Grand Hyatt Kauai, Hawaii to propose to his girlfriend. Stacy, Cesar’s significant other, was completely clueless. She was invited to spend some girl time and vacation with Cesar’s mother and sister for a few days. 

In these photos you can see Cesar waiting for his soon-to-be fiancée. He even hid in the bushes! 

In these photos you can see Cesar waiting for his soon-to-be fiancée. He even hid in the bushes! 

They had been having a great time together, going out to dinner, relaxing, and enjoying the lush ancient majestic beauty that is Kauai. Cesar realized early on that this was the perfect opportunity to propose.

Now, Stacy and Cesar’s mother had no idea, but Cesar’s sister was in on it the whole time. The two of them coordinated with the weddings department at the Hyatt and reserved the Grand Lawn Gazebo, where many of the Hyatt weddings take place, overlooking the beautiful Shipwreck's beach and ocean. 

An invitation was sent to Stacy and family to attend a reception of sorts. Confused and unknowing, they gladly accepted to spend an evening sipping champagne and watching the sunset. 

The scene was set. The table was laid out with champaign and leis. You couldn’t imagine a more perfect evening. It was warm with a slight breeze and you could hear the birds chirping.  The sun began to set.

Cesar crouched, hidden behind the bushes. The sun continued to set, almost down below the horizon.

Where is Stacy? Five minutes go by, then ten, then fifteen, then twenty! "Where are they!?" You could feel the tension painted on Cesar’s face. 

The Grand Lawn Gazebo at the Grand Hyatt is the home of countless of weddings per year.

The Grand Lawn Gazebo at the Grand Hyatt is the home of countless of weddings per year.

Finally, they arrive and begin walking towards the gazebo. Cesar, unable to restrain himself, leaps out of the bushes. Startled, shocked, and delighted Cesar and Stacy run to each other and embrace.

When Cesar pointed out where we were hiding... surprise proposal captured paparazzi-style!

When Cesar pointed out where we were hiding... surprise proposal captured paparazzi-style!

Cesar walks her over to the gazebo, places a lei around her neck, and bends down onto one knee. Speech in mind, ring hidden under the table, Cesar begins to propose… She says yes!

They continue to spend the next couple days together enjoying each others company, eating out, going on a boat tour along the awe-inspiring Napali Coast, in love.

- written by Michael (Pacific Dream Photography at the Grand Hyatt in Kauai)

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What is a Babymoon? ~ Kauai Photographer

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What is a Babymoon? ~ Kauai Photographer

This week, our Pacific Dream Photography team at the St. Regis Princeville in Kauai was given the opportunity to capture Matt and Christine’s relaxing and romantic babymoon getaway.

Babymoon in Hawaii, Maternity Photographer

Babymoons are becoming more popular every year. In short- a babymoon is a honeymoon for expecting parents. It’s the last few months as a couple, and they celebrate it by spending a relaxing time in beautiful location. It’s not surprise that a lot of couples decide to visit Hawaii for this trip.

Babymoon in Hawaii, Maternity Photographer

This stunning mother-to-be has a radiant glow! She is wearing a beautiful white maxi dress that compliments the little bun in the oven and the whimsical Hanalei Bay backdrop. With these dramatic and tropical views, Matt and Christine couldn’t have chosen a better place to relax and photograph this memorable experience. 

Babymoon in Hawaii, Maternity Photographer

Our creative photographer was devoted to capturing fun and artistic shots. With maternity sessions, we put in a lot of special love and care into each photograph. Fortunately, the morning of their check out there was nothing but beautiful sunny skies.  We were able to complete a full photo session in their short time frame, and they went home with their amazing photos and memories for a lifetime.

written by Kristin (Pacific Dream Photography at the St. Regis Princeville)

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It's OK To Be Nervous! ~ Hawaii Photographer

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It's OK To Be Nervous! ~ Hawaii Photographer

Before her maternity shoot, Cathy reached out with questions about lighting, proper attire and posing. As with any photo session, we could tell that she was excited and a little bit nervous.

Pacific Dream Photography - Maternity Session in Hawaii, Babymoon

However, during the photo session, she felt comfortable and at ease, which is always our main goal. If our guests leave the technical stuff up to us and have fun, our talented team of photographers is always able to capture your personality and energy.

Pacific Dream Photography - Maternity Session in Hawaii, Babymoon

We like to put ourselves in the shoes of our guests. We know that having all eyes on you isn’t for everyone. Most importantly, we know that you want the perfect photo album to capture your special occasion. That is the beauty of our experience photography sessions; we aren’t afraid of imperfections. We want you to laugh, express your true self… and let us capture it all!

written by James (Pacific Dream Photography at Montage Kapalua Bay)

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Beach Photo Session in Hawaii: What To Wear?

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Beach Photo Session in Hawaii: What To Wear?

You’re traveling to Hawaii with your loved ones. You’ve booked a Beach Photo Session with Pacific Dream Photography. But, what should you wear for the photo shoot? 

Don’t panic. Here’s a guide of what will look the best:

Style

Think casual. You’re at the beach. It’s important to pick something you are comfortable with and go for light fabrics. However, feel free to really dress up if you are the more glamorous type-the juxtaposition of the fashion and nature can be visually stunning!

Women: Dresses are great, especially if they’re breezy, flowy and light.

Men: We suggest solid-colored pants or shorts and a button-down. Leave a few buttons open and roll up those sleeves, guys.

Airy dresses in bright colors look great.

Airy dresses in bright colors look great.

Matchy-Matchy?

You want to coordinate with your family members, but you don’t want to be matchy-matchy.

Have everyone wear neutral bottoms and play around with the tops, for example. You could also pick a few different colors or do different hues of one single color.

One family went with different shades of blues, while another one picked one person to stand out in a totally different color!

One family went with different shades of blues, while another one picked one person to stand out in a totally different color!

Colors

You have to think of what will look best with the background, which is the blues from the sky and water and the sand (during most of the day). For sunset, keep in mind the sky will have orange/red tones.

Picture what color palette will make more sense for your family. Some sweet, loving families and those with small children can opt for pastels. Are you really wanting to capture your fun Hawaiian vacation? Think tropical, bright colors!  For an effortless, cool, relaxed look… whites and beiges.

It’s up to you, but it is usually a good idea to stay away from black and darker hues. Solid colors usually work best. If you are going to go with Aloha Shirts, maybe coordinate with everyone so they are the same or very similar prints. Another idea is to have the guys in Hawaiian print shirts of a single color and the women in attire of solid colors that match the men.

Whites aren't the best option when the sun is too bright, but our photographers will do our best to make anything work!

Whites aren't the best option when the sun is too bright, but our photographers will do our best to make anything work!

Footwear

What are the most comfortable pair of shoes you own? Wear those. Once you’re at the location, you can go barefoot if the area isn’t rocky. You might want to get your feet wet, too.

We recommend nice, delicate flat sandals for women. 

Go barefoot!

Go barefoot!

Accessories

Keep accessories to a minimum. If you’re newly engaged, the only accessory you should be rocking is… your new rock!

If you want to bring sunglasses, do it. Shades are a great prop for some images. Hats aren’t recommended, as they will create shadows on your face.

Leis are encouraged. Not for the whole photo shoot, but they are definitely a staple of the Hawaiian culture.

Another awesome Hawaiian touch for women? Flowers in your hair!

Another awesome Hawaiian touch for women? Flowers in your hair!

Definite Don'ts

  1. No clothing with logos or text
  2. No busy prints
  3. No running shoes

Whatever you go with, make sure it represents you. If you’re comfortable with what you’re wearing, it will come across in the images. Happy styling!

written by Andrea

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What is Ohana? ~ Big Island Photographer

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What is Ohana? ~ Big Island Photographer

Here in Hawaii, we celebrate 'Ohana everyday. The word itself not only translates from Hawaiian into the English term to family, but 'Ohana embodies a concept, as well. In the Hawaiian culture, it is the sacred everlasting bond you share with your loved ones- a bond you must always remember and never forget.

Family Photography in Big Island, Hawaii at The Fairmont Orchid

For this family, their trip to the Big Island of Hawaii this past summer was the perfect escape to reconnect with each other and celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of their loving grandparents. What better way to commemorate this milestone than to reunite with your kids and grandchildren in paradise?

We were given the wonderful opportunity to capture this beautiful family’s time here and provide them with memories they could take home and remember forever. The individual families traveled from all over the country to meet here on the Kona-Kohala Coast for a week of sun-filled activities and much-needed relaxation. 

Family Photography in Big Island, Hawaii at The Fairmont Orchid

The family chose the popular sunset time for their photo session. All 15 members arrived at our studio, spreading a contagious energy of laughter and excitement throughout room. With the grandkids ages ranging from 6-19, their photo shoot was filled with play, singing and even some choreographed dancing!

Family Photography in Big Island, Hawaii at The Fairmont Orchid

Going through the final photos of their session, we're overwhelmed with how much love this Ohana has for one another as it showed effortlessly through their collection of memories.

written by Samantha (Pacific Dream Photography at The Fairmont Orchid)

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Honeymooning in Hawaii ~ Oahu Photographer

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Honeymooning in Hawaii ~ Oahu Photographer

Honeymoon Photos in Hawaii

At Pacific Dream Photography, we love our clients from all around the world, and there is a soft spot in our heart for those who celebrate "La Bella Vita" in Italy. When you think of Italy; passion, warmth, and laughter come to mind. Claudia and Francesco, a couple from Milan, embodied all of what Italy has to offer. 

Newly-wedded Claudia and Francesco made the long trip across a couple of oceans to Hawaii for their honeymoon. In our experience, when you meet Italians, it's easy to feel like you've already been friends for years. Claudia and Francesco quickly welcomed us into their lives, showing pictures from their wedding in a beautiful Milano Cathedral, and buzzing over their genuine excitement to explore Oahu. 

Dedicated to making some beautiful honeymoon pictures in the resort grounds of The Kahala Resort, Claudia and Francesco opted for the sunrise session. Not everyone is committed to getting those beautiful shots with the warm early light, but thankfully they were because it was a stunning morning. 

Black and White Couple Beach Photos

This very-much-in-love couple had no trouble revealing their passion for each other into the camera. They seemed naturally at ease in each other's arms, and you got the sense that all they needed was each other. It certainly wasn't all serious, however, as the couple would break into giggles and teasing intermittently. My attempts at getting some moody pictures with soft smiles nearly failed as the couple just beamed great giant smiles every time they looked at the other.

After going through the images together I told them it was my mission to make them feel so touched that they would cry. To which, Claudia responded "We don't cry, we only laugh."

written by Julia (Pacific Dream Photography at The Kahala Resort)

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